There was a screech at the front of the school, as a car pulled up. The door opened and let out a stream of curses that dissipated into the air. A heavyset young woman got out, wincing with the first few steps. It was strange to her to be on legs. Were these shoes always going to be so painful? Her skin was dark brown and had a slight sheen to it, as if it was wet. Her hair was frost white and her clothes would probably be seen as 'strange' to others. A flowing top paired with a skirt down to her calves, and sandals. She'd been told that shoes were required. She already hated them. As she looked toward the school, a stream of complaints continued from the car.
"Honestly, these humans and their transportation! Who teaches these people to operate vehicles?! And you can talk on a cellular while driving? My goodness there should be an edict against this, I should petition to King Namor, and-" The ceaseless flow of anger stopped short, and a person with pale green skin and much greener hair poked their head out of the car. He flashed a sheepish smile at the young woman. "I apologize for our lateness, miss Kassandra. I have already informed the administration, you already have your lodgings and courses assigned. Be well, and stay in contact."
"It's alright. I'll send a message within a few days. Wish me luck!" Kassy smiled back, and bowed politely. Then she headed into the Academy, hoping that she wasn't going to be TOO strange compared to everyone else.
--
Kijani stood outside, staring upward at the Academy. Her small suitcase was beside her, and the taxi that had brought her here was already gone. She thought about her first day, last year. She'd had a private ride, a suitcase that weighed as much as her, and a mission to rule the school. Now she had no ride, no mission, and a lot less stuff. She hated to admit it, but she was afraid.
How many rumors were flying around, about why she'd missed nearly 3 months worth of classes last year? How many of them knew the truth? How many looks of disdain was she going to get, or worse, the stares and the empty platitudes of pity? What of the whispers, the 'did you hear she tried to--'
Kijani hugged herself, trying to fight off a nauseating wave of fear. She suddenly didn't want to do this, but she had nowhere else to be. Everyone she knew was here, even if they all probably (and rightfully) hated her. She'd traveled over the summer. Even without her grandmother's backing, she had her own money and resources. She went through Europe, Asia, and Africa, trying to soak up the history of the ancient world, and maybe find her own self in the present world. She had the distinct feeling that she'd failed, though. After all, she was back in the same place she'd left- tried to leave in such a dramatic fashion the year before. She had no idea who was still here. Connor was the one she trusted most, and she'd stopped contacting him after a few weeks during the summer. It hadn't been her intention, but now she didn't know where they stood anymore. She wasn't sure she wanted the answer.
Taking a few deep breaths to steel herself, she headed for the main part of the campus. Standing here would do nothing but make her more ill. Even after everything, she was still Kijani, she was still a woman of power.
"You can do this, Kijani."
